Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 25, June 22, 2024
Section 89.83 - Closing of underground mine openings(a) Upon completion of mining, openings, except those approved for water monitoring or otherwise managed in a manner approved by the Department, shall be closed to prevent degradation of surface and groundwaters; to assist in returning the groundwater as near to its premining level as possible; to assist in returning the hydrologic balance as near to its premining condition as possible; to prevent underground mine fires; to prevent access to underground workings; and to ensure the safety of people, livestock, fish and wildlife. Prior to closing an opening, the plan for the closing shall be approved by the Department.(b) During operation of a mine, openings that become inactive and have no further use shall be immediately closed in accordance with subsection (a).(c) Temporarily inactive openings shall be closed to ensure the safety of people, livestock, fish and wildlife in accordance with § 89.68 (relating to cessation of operations: temporary).(d) If water from a coal mining activity is discharged into an underground mine for treatment with the drainage from the mine, that underground mine may not be closed or sealed until the permittee of the coal mining activity applies for and receives approval from the Department for an alternate water handling procedure.The provisions of this § 89.83 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789, effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended July 30, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2473, effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended June 15, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 3383, effective 7/27/1991, 21 Pa.B. 3316. This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 86.133 (relating to general requirements); 25 Pa. Code § 86.134 (relating to coal exploration performance and design standards); 25 Pa. Code § 88.493 (relating to minimum environmental protection performance standards); 25 Pa. Code § 89.68 (relating to cessation of operations: temporary); and 25 Pa. Code § 89.173 (relating to performance standards).